Message: Prayer of Release
Week of August 16, 2009

Thematic Focus
We are to forgive those who hurt us or sin against us.

Main Points
The Bible provides wisdom for how often and why we are to forgive others:
·  Forgive
    - Matthew 6:12
·  Parable of forgiveness
    - Matthew 18:21-35
·  Forgive as you have been forgiven
    - Matthew 18:35
    - Matthew 6:14-15
    - Ephesians 4:32
·  Release your resentment to God
    - Romans 12:19

Summary Points:
· Forgive as you have been forgiven
· Resentment ruins
· Leave it with God

Matthew 18:21-22
"Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"

Pursuing clarity
Use the following structure to guide your personal reflection and/or discussion:

Opening Prayer
Take a moment to recognize Christ’s presence with you.

Opening Reflection
Think about the word forgive. What are the first thoughts that come to mind?

Scriptural Focus
Take time to read the suggested Scriptures.

Group Discussion
Use these questions to reflect further:

1. Discuss why the slave, once forgiven, wouldn't forgive his debtor.
2. What behavior did the master expect of those he'd forgiven? Explain.
3. How does a lack of forgiveness affect one's sinful state before God?
4. What impact can holding on to anger or harboring resentment have in our lives?
5. Why is it difficult to forgive those who have hurt us?
6. What things have been the hardest for you to forgive?
7. Have you ever been tempted to withhold your forgiveness for some wrong done to you? Explain.
8. What is the difference between forgiving with your head and forgiving with your heart?
9. What are the implications of not forgiving?

Adjusting Focus
It matters to God that we are forgiving those who have hurt us or have sinned against us. Take time to reflect upon your life and those you may need to forgive:

Here are four questions to help you recognize those you may need to forgive:

Who are you most likely to blame for your unhappiness?

Who is the first person that comes to mind if I were to ask you what's the greatest hurt in your life?

Is there anyone you tend to keep score with?

Do you ever find yourself reacting negatively to somebody because they remind you of somebody else?

Use the space below to identify those you need to forgive. Then take time to pray a prayer of forgiveness. Release it to God.

Maintaining Focus
How is God's Spirit prompting you to grow on the faith journey? A step I will take to pursue a healthy life:

____________________________________________

Closing Prayer
Take time at the close of your time together to pray for God’s assistance in the journey. Depending on how comfortable group members feel, here are some ways you could pray:

·  Write out a personal prayer.
·  Have the group facilitator or a designated member of the group pray.
·  Have members of the group get into a smaller group to pray for one another.
·  Have several members of the group pray aloud and then conclude.

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